Tag: Private network

Verizon Business and Cummins Forge Path to Industry 4.0 with Innovative Network Solutions

A recent collaboration between Verizon Business and Cummins Inc marks a significant stride in the direction of seamless connectivity. The announcement of Cummins as the inaugural customer for Verizon Business’ groundbreaking Neutral Host Network product heralds a new era of connectivity solutions tailored for the demands of modern industry.

At the heart of this collaboration lies the convergence of two cutting-edge technologies: the Neutral Host Network and Private 5G Network. By integrating these solutions, Verizon and Cummins are poised to revolutionize connectivity within the confines of Cummins’ Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) in Lakewood, NY.

Empowering Operations through Connectivity

The essence of the Neutral Host Network lies in its ability to democratize connectivity. Traditionally, reliance on a single carrier’s network infrastructure could pose limitations, hindering seamless communication within industrial complexes. However, the Neutral Host Network dismantles these barriers by providing a platform where employees and visitors, regardless of their mobile service provider, can access a robust cellular signal.

Verizon, serving as the “anchor tenant” for this innovative network, shoulders the responsibility of engineering, implementation, and maintenance of onsite equipment. This collaborative effort ensures enhanced coverage throughout the sprawling expanse of JEP, comprising 1 million square feet of industrial space and outdoor areas. 

Private 5G: Catalyzing Industrial Transformation

Complementing the Neutral Host Network is the Verizon Private 5G Network, a solution designed to meet the exacting demands of modern industry. By leveraging Verizon’s licensed spectrum, Cummins gains access to a dedicated cellular infrastructure tailored for its unique operational requirements.

The implications of Private 5G extend far beyond mere connectivity; it serves as the linchpin for a host of Industry 4.0 applications. At JEP, this includes the deployment of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), computer vision systems, augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) interfaces, and machine health monitoring sensors. The Private 5G Network not only ensures seamless communication between these contrasting systems but also lays the groundwork for future innovations.

Industry Endorsement and Analyst Insight

The significance of this collaboration resonates strongly with industry stakeholders and analysts alike. Shawn Hricko, Plant Manager at Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, underscores the transformative potential of these networks, emphasizing their role in expediting Industry 4.0 adoption and enhancing operational efficiency.

Similarly, Ron Fleetwood, Executive Director of Cummins IT Business Services, praises the deployment of Private 5G as a pivotal step in Cummins’ digital manufacturing journey. By embracing cellular connectivity, Cummins reaffirms its commitment to creating a world-class workplace driven by innovation and efficiency.

Jennifer Artley, Senior Vice President of 5G Acceleration at Verizon Business, says Cummins has a forward-thinking approach. She added that the combined solution epitomizes a holistic approach to connectivity. Moreover, Brian Partridge, Head of Research at 451 Research, highlights the synergistic benefits of Neutral Host and Private 5G networks, citing their streamlined implementation and versatility across public and private use cases.

By 5G , , , , ,

CBRS: Revolutionizing Wireless Communication with Shared Spectrum

In the ever-evolving world of wireless communication, the demand for faster, more reliable, and ubiquitous connectivity continues to rise. To address this need, the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) has emerged as a private networking solution. It leverages shared spectrum to optimize wireless networks and empower various industries. This article delves into the CBRS framework, its benefits, and its potential to revolutionize the way we connect.

Understanding CBRS

CBRS is an innovative wireless communication framework that operates in the 3.5 GHz band, also known as the “innovation band.” It represents a novel approach to spectrum allocation, aiming to maximize the utilization of available resources while ensuring efficient coexistence among different users. Unlike traditional spectrum allocation models, which are often rigid and exclusive, CBRS introduces a spectrum-sharing paradigm.

Dynamic Spectrum Access

At the heart of CBRS lies the concept of dynamic spectrum access. The shared spectrum is divided into three tiers: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General Authorized Access. The Incumbent Access tier is reserved for existing users such as government and military entities, while the Priority Access tier is allocated to commercial users who obtain licenses through an auction process. The remaining spectrum is available for General Authorized Access, enabling opportunistic usage by anyone without the need for licensing.

Spectrum Access System (SAS)

To enable efficient spectrum sharing, CBRS implements a Spectrum Access System (SAS) as the governing entity. The SAS dynamically manages spectrum allocation, ensuring that incumbents are protected and that priority users receive the necessary resources. It employs a combination of databases, algorithms, and real-time monitoring to facilitate coordination between different users and prevent interference.

Benefits of CBRS

  • Enhanced Wireless Capacity: CBRS introduces the concept of spectrum sharing, which optimizes spectrum utilization and allows for increased wireless capacity. This leads to improved network performance, reduced congestion, and better user experiences.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: By enabling the use of unlicensed spectrum for commercial users, CBRS eliminates the need for expensive spectrum licenses. This affordability makes it more accessible for a wide range of businesses and organizations, including small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Private Cellular Networks: CBRS provides the opportunity for enterprises to deploy private cellular networks within their premises. This allows organizations to have greater control, security, and customization over their wireless infrastructure, leading to improved operational efficiency and enhanced IoT connectivity.
  • Rural Broadband Expansion: CBRS has the potential to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. The shared spectrum and cost-effective deployment models can enable wireless internet service providers (WISPs) to offer high-speed broadband connectivity to underserved communities. This can unlock new opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development.
  • Innovation and Industry Transformation: CBRS opens up new avenues for innovation across various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and agriculture. With improved connectivity, businesses can leverage advanced technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and automation to transform their operations and unlock new revenue streams.

Future Potential

CBRS represents a significant step forward in wireless communication, offering a more efficient and flexible approach to spectrum allocation. As the demand for connectivity continues to grow, CBRS has the potential to play a pivotal role in supporting emerging technologies like 5G and beyond. Its ability to facilitate widespread adoption, promote innovation, and bridge the digital divide makes CBRS a promising solution for a more connected future.

By embracing CBRS, stakeholders from governments and enterprises to service providers and end-users can unlock the vast potential of shared spectrum, leading to a more inclusive and connected world. As technology continues to advance, CBRS serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptive approaches in meeting the ever-increasing demand for wireless connectivity.

By 5G , , , , , , ,

What You Should Know About Private 4G LTE and 5G Networks

Connectivity has become the lifeblood of modern enterprises. With the exponential growth of data-driven technologies, businesses are seeking reliable and high-performing networking solutions that can meet their evolving demands. Enter private cellular networking – a game-changing innovation that promises to revolutionize enterprise connectivity. In private cellular networking, one common requirement across all enterprise deployments is the desire for improved wireless coverage that offers high speeds, minimal latency, and the capacity to transmit vast volumes of data instantly. In this article, we will explore the concept of private cellular networking, its benefits, and its potential to reshape the way businesses operate.

What is Private Cellular Networking?

Private cellular networking refers to the deployment of dedicated cellular networks within an enterprise’s premises, providing secure and customized connectivity. It harnesses the power of cellular technology, such as 4G LTE and 5G, to create localized networks tailored to the specific needs of an organization. Private networks are just like public ones, but operate on different frequency bands. This is why not just any device can connect to a private cellular network.

Enhanced Wireless Coverage

One of the primary drivers behind the adoption of private cellular networking is the need for enhanced wireless coverage. Traditional Wi-Fi networks often struggle with coverage limitations, especially in large and complex enterprise environments. Private cellular networks, on the other hand, leverage cellular infrastructure to deliver a broader coverage area, reaching even remote corners of a facility. This expanded coverage ensures seamless connectivity for employees, devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, facilitating uninterrupted operations and increased productivity.

Unleashing High Speeds and Low Latency

In our data-driven world, speed and latency are critical factors in delivering efficient and responsive services. Private cellular networking offers businesses the ability to tap into the high speeds and low latency of cellular networks. With 4G LTE and 5G technologies, enterprises can enjoy faster data transfer rates, enabling real-time collaboration, video conferencing, and access to bandwidth-intensive applications. Additionally, the reduced latency ensures quicker response times for mission-critical tasks, enabling faster decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency.

Handling Massive Data Transfers in Real-Time

The exponential growth of data presents a significant challenge for enterprises, especially when it comes to transferring large volumes of data in real-time. Private cellular networking addresses this challenge by providing the capacity to handle massive data transfers seamlessly. With higher bandwidth and network capacity, businesses can effortlessly transmit data-intensive applications, video streams, and IoT-generated data, enabling real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven insights. This capability opens new avenues for innovation and empowers enterprises to harness the full potential of their data.

Security and Control

One of the standout features of private cellular networking is the enhanced security it offers. Traditional Wi-Fi networks are susceptible to security vulnerabilities, making them a prime target for cyberattacks. Private cellular networks, on the other hand, provide inherent security features, such as encryption and authentication, ensuring secure communication and data transfer. By having full control over their network infrastructure, enterprises can implement robust security protocols tailored to their specific requirements, safeguarding their sensitive data and mitigating risks.

CBRS and Other Private Network Spectrums

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) as a wireless spectrum band exclusively available for private LTE networks. To connect to these private CBRS LTE networks, edge devices such as smartphones, embedded modules, and routers must obtain FCC certification specifically for the use of the CBRS band. Once certified, these devices can seamlessly connect to and operate within private CBRS LTE networks. Organizations seeking to establish their own private LTE networks have additional spectrum options available apart from CBRS. The FCC has recently approved rules that enable the use of a 900 MHz band of spectrum, owned by Anterix, for private networks. This expanded spectrum option provides organizations with more flexibility in designing and deploying their private LTE networks to cater to their specific needs.

Switch Between Private and Public Cellular Networks Where Needed

Routers equipped to support both private and public cellular networks offer a versatile solution for seamless connectivity, empowering users to switch between networks as needed. For instance, in scenarios like fleet vehicles, these routers enable a dynamic transition between public networks while on the road, and the company’s private network when they are in-house. This adaptability ensures continuous and reliable communication, optimizing the performance of applications and services. The ability to effortlessly switch between private and public networks enhances operational efficiency, enabling businesses to maintain a secure and controlled network environment when on their premises, while taking advantage of the broader coverage and connectivity options offered by public networks when their fleet vehicles are on the move. Ultimately, this capability provides organizations with the agility and flexibility to meet their diverse connectivity requirements, maximizing productivity and enhancing the overall user experience.

Industry Applications and Future Potential

Private cellular networking has a wide range of applications across various industries. From manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and smart cities, the benefits of enhanced coverage, high speeds, and secure connectivity are transforming the way businesses operate. With the evolution of 5G technology, private cellular networking holds even more promise, enabling innovations like autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, and immersive virtual experiences.

By 5G , , , , ,